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Gambia

Tuesday, November 22, 2023 after sailing for 2 days at sea we arrived at Banjul, Gambia. A busy port and even busier city and countryside. Banjul is the countries commercial and transportation center.

Two nights ago after dinner and leaving the Cape Verde Islands, we were instructed by the Captain of the ship we were entering a high risk area for Piracy, off Senegal and other West African countries. We will be in permanent contact with an International Task Force including the U.S. and the U.K. Naval Forces assigned to protect merchant vessels from pirate attack by a United Nations mandate. We were instructed to use only essential light within the cabins and to close all curtains in the cabin windows and balconies no lights or open curtains. . NOW THIS IS MY KIND OF TRIP!!!!

Our transportation for the day. Definitely air conditioned. I never saw so many hats fly off in the first 10 minutes of travel.

We had local Gambian entertainment at the dock as we were leaving for the day to explore Gambia.

A few pop up markets arriving for set up when we return from the days journeys. When we returned there must be at least 40 or more waiting for us to buy something.

Traveling from the ship where we docked was quite an adventure along the road into the city.

The country's shape and size are the result of a colonial deal between Britain and France, who divided the region along the Gambia River, which runs through the country.As you can see first hand life in Gambia is not an easy life.

We pass by some of the local fishing boats that go out for the day.

We see the local jail as we pass by.

Definitely not a place anyone would want to spend a lot of time.

A welcoming sign as we pass under it.

As we get closer to the city of Banjul we see more fishing boats.

Students on their way to classes.

Definitely a lot of poverty here.

Banjul , officially the City of Banjul, is the capital and fourth largest city of The Gambia. Traffic in the morning hours seems to be everywhere... walkways, side roads to main roads.

Banjul is home to an estimated 400,000 residents, making it Gambia's largest and most densely populated metropolitan area. There does not seem to be traffic lights. Guess that is easier on maintenance.

A traffic police woman directing the congested traffic and doing a good job too.

Pottery for sale alongside the traffic highway.

Children walking to school as adults are walking to work.

Notice a nursery with pots under the sign advertising sports results above. All you need is a phone.

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